Civil Cover Sheet – Pinellas County Florida
The “Form 1.997 Civil Cover Sheet” used in Pinellas County, Florida, is a standardized form for the Circuit Court’s Civil Division. This document, updated as of September 2020, serves administrative and statistical purposes rather than altering the usual legal filing requirements. It must be filed by the plaintiff or petitioner to assist the Clerk of Court in gathering judicial workload data as mandated by Florida Statutes section 25.075.
Key sections of this civil action cover sheet include:
- Case Style
- Amount of Claim
- Type of Case
- Remedies Sought
- Number of Causes of Action
- Class Action Suit
- Related Cases
- Jury Trial Demand
Civil Cover Sheet also requires certification by the filer that all provided information is accurate, along with their signature, the date, and, if applicable, their Florida Bar number.
This guide will walk you through each section of the form to ensure accurate completion. Remember, this f civil cover sheet example is for administrative use and does not replace the legal filing of pleadings or other papers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- CASE STYLE
- Plaintiff(s): Write the full legal name(s) of the person(s) or entity initiating the lawsuit.
- Defendant(s): Write the full legal name(s) of the person(s) or entity being sued.
- Case No.: Leave this blank if you do not yet have a case number; it will be assigned by the court.
- Section: This might refer to the division or specific part of the court where the case will be filed. Leave blank if unknown.
- AMOUNT OF CLAIM
- Amount: Check the box that best estimates the monetary value of your claim. Choose only one range. This is for clerical purposes only and will not affect legal proceedings.
III. TYPE OF CASE
- Case Category: Check the box next to the category that best describes the nature of your lawsuit. If your case fits more than one category, select the most definitive one. If a subcategory is the best fit, check both the main category and the subcategory.
- REMEDIES SOUGHT
- Types of Remedies: Check all boxes that apply to the remedies you are seeking in your lawsuit (monetary, nonmonetary, punitive).
- NUMBER OF CAUSES OF ACTION
- Specify: Enter the number of distinct legal claims you are presenting in your lawsuit.
- IS THIS CASE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?
- Class Action: Check “yes” if this lawsuit is filed on behalf of a group of people. Otherwise, check “no.”
VII. HAS NOTICE OF ANY KNOWN RELATED CASE BEEN FILED?
- Related Cases: Check “yes” if there are any known related cases, and list their names, case numbers, and courts. Check “no” if there are no related cases.
VIII. IS JURY TRIAL DEMANDED IN COMPLAINT?
- Jury Trial: Check “yes” if you are requesting a jury trial. Otherwise, check “no.”
- CERTIFICATION
- Signature: Sign your name to certify that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
- Bar Number (if attorney): If you are an attorney, provide your Florida Bar number.
- Type or Print Name: Type or print your name clearly.
- Date: Fill in the date on which you are completing the form.
Additional Tips
- Accuracy is crucial: Ensure all information is correct to avoid delays in your case.
- Consult an attorney: If you are unsure about any part of the form or how to describe your case, it may be helpful to consult with an attorney.
- File the form with the initial complaint: Remember that this cover sheet must accompany your initial pleading or petition when filed at the court.
Completing the Pinellas civil cover sheet pdf accurately is vital for the efficient processing of your case and helps the court manage its workload effectively.